Pandemic Flu

A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. It is determined by how the disease spreads, not how many deaths it causes.

With thousands of islanders leaving the island on a daily basis, and the numbers flying throughout the world, it doesn't take germs long to hitch a ride back on the return trip. For some bacteria or viruses our low immunization rates present an additional opportunity.

When a new influenza A virus emerges, a flu pandemic can occur. Because the virus is new, the human population has little to no immunity against it. With no immunity in the population, the virus spreads quickly from person-to-person worldwide. (- from www.flu.gov/pandemic/about/)

For an excellent talk about this history and future of flu response watch this Jan 2018 video by expert John Barry: www.fema.gov/preptalks/barry.

Seasonal Flu versus Pandemic Flu

Pandemic Flu

Seasonal Flu

Rarely happens (three times in 20th century)

Happens annually and usually peaks in January or February

People have little or no immunity because they have no previous exposure to the virus